David Fleay Wildlife Park Gold Coast

4.3

Google reviews (858 total)

Google reviews for David Fleay Wildlife Park

4.3 Write a review

  • 5 Jillinda Jones
    2 months ago

    Escape into the world of Australian wildlife, with up-close encounters and captivating, interactive, educational presentations for both young and old alike. Undoubtedly the bird presentation was a big highlight, having large parrots and birds of prey swooping overhead and wild kookaburras, seamlessly joining the show, adding much excitement to the experience. The wallaby sanctuary was another standout feature, particularly loved by the kids. The chance to interact so closely with these gentle creatures was a truly memorable moment, and the joy on the children’s faces a clear testament to the impact of these encounters. While the park itself could benefit from some refurbishments, David Fleay's Wildlife Park delivers a rich and enjoyable wildlife experience. The engaging presentations, particularly the bird show, along with the opportunity to interact directly with animals, make it a worthwhile destination for families looking to explore Australia's unique fauna in a personal and intimate setting.

  • 5 DK Chen
    2 months ago

    I had a really great time at the wildlife park. Lots of interesting animals, and the park is well built and maintained (quite accessibility friendly). And what's better the money is going to help conservation and preserve Fleay's legacy. Really lovely afternoon out, and looks like a great place for family and kids.

  • 3 Jorja Allen
    in the last week

    It's a nice place, but it doesn't take up much more than an hr of time... not a lot to see. That being said, we really enjoyed our short time there

  • 2 lucas !
    2 months ago

    Horrible place how can some people pet the koalas and take pictures with them??! The koalas looks stressed and they have just some few trees to live in. The stuff looked on me ( at the koala point ) like they haven’t seen a human before. But rest of the stuff was very friendly and helpful. It was full of Chinese ( no hate ) tourists and children. It was hard to know where all animals are and when you finally find an animal it was far away. The capybaras was cute but hard to find. Overall worth a visit but NOT A PICTURE WITH KOALA :)

  • 3 Thushini Goonewardene
    7 months ago

    It was quite inspiring to learn about the life and work of Dr. David Fleay. The park itself is a lovely place. However, it is not that well maintained, perhaps due to lack of funding. I watched 2 shows, the birds show and the crocodile show. They were well conducted, and the volunteers were quite knowledgeable on their respective subjects. It is a nice place to go for a walk. However, there isn't much to see. There is a cafe close to the entrance, but with rather limited vegetarian/ vegan options. Tickets can be purchased at the entrance. There is a free car park which is wheelchair accessible.

  • More info and reviews

Park open 9am to 4pm, seven days a week

Our wildlife and Park Rangers look forward to welcoming you to the park. As part of our COVID-safe plan, we have implemented some changes—please ensure you review all information before you visit.

Be inspired: 5 things you didn’t know you could do at David Fleay Wildlife Park

Tucked away in the heart of Burleigh Heads is David Fleay Wildlife Park—a park unlike any other. Cute and quirky critters—tick! Wildlife shows—tick! But what makes Fleay’s different? Here are our top 5 things you didn’t know you could do at Fleay’s. Photo credit: Steve Browne © Queensland Government

Join the Park Rangers at David Fleay Wildlife Park to learn more about Queensland’s unique wildlife! Photo credit: Maxime Coquard © Queensland Government

Spotlight on Wally

Wally the platypus

Wally the platypus

Photo credit: Wade Gilbert, Queensland Government

Wally the platpus being weighed in a basket on a scale.

Wally being weighed during his weekly check-up at David Fleay Wildlife Park.

Photo credit: Jacqui Seal, Queensland Government

Photo credit: Nikki Sparks, Queensland Government

Wally's Journey and the Wonders of the Platypus

In January 2014, a concerned citizen discovered Wally, a very young male platypus, near Mount Warning and close to the Queensland border. Injured and underweight, Wally weighed less than 200 grams and required intensive care from our dedicated rangers, receiving four-hourly feeds of crayfish, insects, and worms. Today, Wally weighs over 1100 grams, and has enjoyed being a wildlife ambassador at Fleays for close to 10 years.

Through the platypus exhibit at David Fleay Wildlife Park, we honor Dr. David Fleay's legacy of public education. Our goal is to deepen visitors' understanding of conservation challenges and demonstrate how simple daily actions can support wildlife conservation. We hope every visitor leaves inspired to become a guardian of the wild.

The platypus, unique to Australia, is perfectly adapted to a semi-aquatic lifestyle. As a monotreme, it lays eggs, distinguishing it from other mammals. The platypus has a streamlined body and a broad, flat tail covered in dense, waterproof fur, providing excellent thermal insulation. Behind its distinctive bill are grooves that house ear openings and eyes, which close when the animal dives. The tail stores fat reserves, and strong claws on its feet aid in burrowing and movement on land. Male platypuses also have a venomous spur on their ankles, making them one of the few venomous mammals.

In early 2024, after almost ten years at David Fleay Wildlife Park, Wally has now moved to Healesville Sanctuary to participate in a crucial captive breeding program. Taking his place is Waddirrang, a fourteen-year-old female platypus who has joined the Fleays family at the end of her breeding years.

Waddirrang resides in our nocturnal house but enjoys the freedom to explore beyond the display tank into a specially designed burrow system with grass-lined nesting chambers. If you don't spot her right away, be sure to return later for another chance to see her up and about.

By visiting the platypus exhibit, you contribute to the ongoing story of these remarkable creatures. Your visit helps sustain their care and conservation, ensuring that future generations can continue to marvel at this extraordinary species.

Learn more about platypus.

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